More Top Stories
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Parliament’s 12 sitting days sufficient for business: Clerk
24 September 2024
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
21 September 2024
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Rising seas, rising costs: Climate impacts on Cook Islands economy
2 September 2024
Inflation eases but concerns remain
31 August 2024
Prime Minister defends $659,000 MPs travel bill
23 August 2024
Taxpayers foot $659,000 bill for MPs travel and allowance
22 August 2024
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
PM Brown eager to hand over Forum chair role to Tonga
13 August 2024
ICI explains road works delay in front of old Sheraton site
10 August 2024
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
8 August 2024
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
7 August 2024
Local women outshine global peers in business leadership
8 August 2024
Housing crisis hits tourism industry
27 July 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Challenging ‘rape culture’
8 July 2024
Articles by Talaia Mika
Ongoing water challenge ‘a big concern’ for fire brigade
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National
Ongoing water supply shortages are a nightmare for firefighters like the Puaikura Fire Brigade.
Long serving firefighter finds joy in voluntary service
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
One of the longest-serving and oldest volunteers of the Puaikura Fire Brigade, Mathew Mataroa, who helped start the fire brigade over two decades ago, has no regrets about returning home to serve his people in firefighting battles.
Former Tau engineer backs Date on electrocution allegations
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Another former engineer for the power authority, Te Aponga Uira (TAU) who wished not to be identified due to the seriousness of the issue regarding the four TAU staff who were electrocuted, has supported the controversial allegations by electrical technician Hideki Date.
TAU under fire, defends actions
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National
Cook Islands’ power authority, Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has finally explained and provided an update on the electrocution incident which injured four of its staff in August. This comes after months of attempts by Cook Islands News to obtain a factual explanation and an update on the scandal.
Passionate couple opens café to showcase Cook Islands flavours
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Features, Food, Go Local, National
A Cook Islands couple is expanding their business from umu making and shows to opening a café, hoping to bring the authentic taste of local food to the modern culinary scene.
Electrocution ‘cover up’
Friday 25 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Whistleblower quits job and speaks out over TAU high voltage cable incident. He spoke exclusively to Cook Islands News reporter Talaia Mika yesterday.
Wheels of fortune: 84-year-old grower finds success with mobile vending
Thursday 24 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Features, Food, Go Local
An 84-year-old grower, Ian Tupe Takau Short, who lives alone and grows an organic plantation, is now trying street vending for a change.
Airport offers support to Samoa amid CHOGM rush
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National, Regional, Samoa
The Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) is open and ready to assist Samoa, which is hosting the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia this week.
Te Aponga faces scrutiny over handling of workplace incident
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The government-owned electricity provider, Te Aponga Uira (TAU), is remaining silent on the internal investigation into a workplace incident that resulted in four staff members being electrocuted in mid-August this year.
Shell-shocked: Environmentalists outraged by attempted turtle theft
Wednesday 23 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, National
A teenager and a woman were caught “stealing” a Pacific green sea turtle in the early hours of Tuesday, raising concerns among environmentalists and the public about the harassment of marine life.
Faster response times expected as Puaikura fire station expands
Monday 21 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The volunteers and members of the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade are celebrating the expansion of their fire station, which is expected to boost their response service to fire incidents around the island.
Northern Group islands dominate Cook Islands Games boxing event
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Boxing, Sports
The three-day boxing tournament as part of the Cook Islands Games this week wrapped up with a bang, with the Cook Islands Boxing Federation (CIBF) seeing so much potential in the local talents.
Fire brigade strained by fires and water shortage
Saturday 19 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
The Teimurimotia Volunteer Fire Brigade has responded to five fire incidents on the island within two weeks, amid low water pressure that raises concerns for the brigade.
Low water pressure to affect high-ground residents again
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National
Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai (TTV), has once again warned members of the public that the water pressure will be low as a result of the low-rainfall affecting mostly residents living in higher ground.
Cook Islands delegation heads to Niue for 50th anniversary
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown is leading a delegation of Parliament members and representatives of the Cook Islands Niuean community, to Niue for its 50th self-governance celebration this Saturday.
Cooks PM assures new passport won’t affect constitutional ties with New Zealand
Friday 18 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has defended the proposal of a Cook Islands passport, addressing concerns about its potential impact on New Zealand citizenships and responding to comments made by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
Cook Islands Weightlifting builds for future
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Other Sports, Sports
Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation (CIWF) used the 2024 Cook Islands Games as a platform to build towards the 2029 Pacific Mini Games to be hosted in Rarotonga.
Minister Toki-Brown heads to Philippines for WHO meeting
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, National
Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown is on her way to Philippines to chair the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific meeting next week.
International speakers to address alcoholism in Rarotonga
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Health, Local, National
An international convention focusing on alcohol abuse victims will be held in Rarotonga for the first time, featuring international speakers who will raise awareness and provide support for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction.
Browne questions government’s response to increasing insecurity
Thursday 17 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Politics
The Leader of the Opposition has questioned the government’s role in addressing the growing insecurity in the country due to increasing crime rate, while also calling for a review of the legislation that governs the treatment of minors.
